Heavy gunbattle between Manipur People's Army insurgents and security forces has been reported from Chandel district where the army has launched Operation Somtal II since November 15 to flush out insurgents, official sources said on Saturday.

There was a heavy exchange of fire between insurgents on the one hand and the Army and Assam Rifles on the other at Tuilong, Layang, S. Bongjoi and surrounding villages on Friday in the district bordering Myanmar.

The encounter took place in the thick hilly forests and lasted several hours.

Insurgents of MPA, armed wing of United National Liberation Front and security forces have been involved in frequent heavy gunfight at different border villages in Chandel district since launching of Operation Somtal II, sources said, adding that people in several interior villages had fled to safer places to avoid being caught in crossfire.

While a spokesman of UNLF claimed at least five security personnel were killed in yesterday's gunfight, security forces denied it.

Army sources said the insurgents were fleeing from their camps because of the pressure from security forces.